Holster

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a molded weapon holster device for concealing a weapon beneath the clothing of a user. The molded holster is designed to attach to the user&#39;s undergarments, such as a brassiere, with a clip and a strap with closing mechanism. The holster and the barrel portion of the weapon are positioned between the user&#39;s chest and the undergarment. The holster device is additionally secured by the clip attached to the top of the undergarment and the strap around the side of the undergarment. The holster device secures the weapon underneath the clothing such that it is invisible outside the clothing yet readily accessible when needed. The user can remove the weapon by reaching inside the neck of the shirt and quickly pulling the weapon from the holster. The user also has the option to discharge the weapon through the clothing in emergency situations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying a concealed weapon attached to the side of user's undergarments such that the weapon is sufficiently hidden to prevent detection yet readily available for protection.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Commonly, people desire to carry weapons on their body in a concealed manner. A holster allows a user to carry a weapon, securely attached to the body, and still maintain the use of both hands. Police and military users may use visible holsters. But for civilians, a concealed holster is beneficial. A concealed holster gives the user several advantages. Members of the public will not know the user is carrying a weapon and the user can maintain the element of surprise against any attacks. In addition, other people will not be unnecessarily preoccupied by the weapon's presence since they are unaware of it. Many holsters are hidden from view yet still accessible should the user feel threatened or encounter a dangerous situation.

Typically holsters are worn at the waist. Holsters are also available for the ankle, thigh, or shoulder. These types of holsters are commonly worn under loose clothing so as to conceal their presence from the general public. However the shoulder and waist versions are commonly worn over the clothing and concealed by a sports coat. The majority of women do not wear sports coats and many women's garments are more fitted and would not adequately conceal a weapon. Much of the prior art, although designed for men, can be used by woman as well. However, the majority of holsters aren't designed specifically for women and do not accommodate the woman's curvier body or her typically more fitted clothing.

Women also have the option of holsters built into purses or handbags. Purse holsters present a challenge when the woman needs to quickly draw the weapon. If the holster is not secured to the side of the bag, it can get misplaced amongst the many items stored in the woman's purse. Also, the woman will have to open the purse before gaining access to the weapon. In situations of potential grave danger, time is of the essence and any seconds lost could result in death or injury. In addition, there is also a safety issue if the woman ever leaves her purse unattended, as if during a meal, at work, driving or while running errands. The weapon would become accessible to passersby or innocent children. Both of these situations would be dangerous to all nearby persons. Also, these types of purse holsters are of no use to a woman whose purse has been stolen or snatched. In that instance, the criminal not only has the woman's valuables but he has also gained a weapon to use against the woman.

A woman also has the option of a holster that is designed to wrap around her torso and holds the gun at the front or back of her body. This type of holster is often constricting on the body and uncomfortable due to the rigid nature of the device. The women's torso holsters commonly include straps similar to bra straps for securing and keeping the device in place. The user of this torso holster will now have an excessive number of straps under her clothing (two for bra and two for holster).

The present invention is an improvement because it is specially designed for and accommodating of the female body. Typical holsters are designed mainly for male users although they can be used by females. The present invention uses the natural contours of the female physique to aid in concealing and securing the weapon. The firearm barrel and holster is partly positioned between the chest and the bra cup of the user. The strap portion of the hoister is positioned around the side portion of the user's brassiere. In addition, there is a clip that further secures the holster to the upper side portion of the brassiere cup.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to conceal a weapon on the undergarments of the user, such that the barrel of the firearm rests between the chest and undergarment such that the weapon is positioned between the arm and chest of the user.

It is an object of the present invention to securely conceal a weapon underneath the clothing of the user such that the weapon cannot be forcibly removed, or knocked loose or out of place.

It is an object of the present invention to attach a weapon to the brassiere of the user such that the weapon will be concealed beneath the clothing of the user.

It is an object of the present invention to securely hold a weapon next to a person's body such that both hands are free for other tasks.

It is an object of the present invention to describe a method for securing the weapon and holster device to the brassiere of the user.

It is an object of the present invention to describe a method for removing the weapon from the holster device while leaving the holster device attached to the undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The holster is configured to be removably attached to an undergarment, such as a bra or sports bra. The holster device is constructed of a thermo plastic molded clamshell. The holster portion of the device snaps in place over the barrel/slide and trigger guard of a weapon. The holster device is appropriate for use with .380 pistols, j-frame revolvers, and other small weapons. The holster device is molded to accommodate the exterior shape of the weapon. In the present embodiment, the front panel is molded into the shape of the front side of a pistol and the back panel is molded into the shape of the backside of a pistol. The front and back panels together form a molded clamshell holster which securely holds the pistol until it is removed by the user. The weapon may also be a canister of pepper spray, a knife, a taser or any other similarly shaped weapon. The holster device is closed on the top portion and opens on the bottom and sides to allow the firearm to be inserted and later released when the user pulls it in an upward motion to remove it from the holster device.

The holster device can he secured to the undergarment of the user in multiple ways. The holster device is positioned between the user's chest and the user's bra. The holster is secured between the chest and the undergarment. The holster is also secured by the clip positioned at the upper portion of the cup of the undergarment. The holster is further secured by a strap that surrounds the side, underarm portion of the user's undergarment. Once the holster device is positioned, it can be secured by closing the closing mechanism around the side, underarm portion of the user's undergarment. The one-way snap secures the holster device in position between the user's skin and the undergarment, while the firearm is in position inside the holster device.

The clip is attached to the front portion of the holster to help secure the holster to the undergarment. This embodiment uses a plastic clip; however the clip can be made of different materials such as leather, metal, nylon, as well as numerous other materials as long as the material is sturdy enough to secure the holster to the undergarment. With the holster positioned between the chest and the undergarment, clip slides over the upper portion of the undergarment, under the user's arm, to secure the holster in place. Undergarments such as brassieres, sports or athletic brassieres, tank tops or undershirts can be used with this holster. The invention works best with undergarments that cover only the top portion of the user's torso, in order to accommodate the length of the strap.

In addition to the clip, the holster is also secured to the holster by a strap with a one way snap. The strap includes precut holes on one end and no holes on the opposite end. The precut holes on the strap are similar in appearance and function to the holes one would find on a traditional belt. The holes on one end of the strap serve to adjust the position of the holster on the user's undergarments. Each strap has a one-way or directional snap that prevents the holster from being forcibly removed or knocked loose accidentally. One-way snaps prevent the snap from inadvertently unclasping on the side permanently attached to the holster (the male side). The design of the one-way or directional snap ensures that the closed snap can only be undone on the side of the snap that is on the exterior of the holster (the female side) and not on the side of the snap attached to the holster with the screw (the male side).

The strap is positioned around the side portion of the undergarment. With the one way snap, the male portion of the one-way snap is secured to the top of the holster device with a screw. When the user desires to alter the position of the holster device or the length of a particular strap, the user would loosen the screw attaching the male portion of the closing mechanism to the end of the strap with precut holes. The user would then reposition the male portion of the one-way snap over the precut hole at a length that would best accommodate the user's needs and proceed to secure the male portion of the one-way snap to the strap and top edge of the holster device by tightening the screw. The female portion of the one-way snap is positioned at the end of the strap that does not contain any precut holes. The strap is in a closed position when the male and female portion of the one way snap are joined together.

The barrel/slide and trigger of the weapon are positioned inside the shell portion of the holster device. The holster device enclosing the weapon is secured between the cup portion of the user's brassiere and the chest. Another security measure is the clip that slides over the top portion of the undergarment, or the top of the bra cup, to secure the holster in place. In addition, the strap is snapped in place around the side of the undergarment to secure the holster to the undergarment. The consumer of the holster device is provided with additional straps of varying lengths to accommodate different amounts or lengths of fabric on the side of the user's undergarment. (The 9 cm strap has 2 holes, 14 cm strap has 3 holes, 22 cm, strap has 4 holes, and 23.5 cm strap has 7 holes, in this embodiment.) Once the user removes the firearm by pulling the weapon downward, the one-way snap continues to secure the empty holster in place. Naturally, a variety of other closing mechanism configurations are also contemplated, such as Velcro, hooks, and so on.

Once the user has properly positioned the holster device, resting beneath the undergarment, only the top of the holster and the strap should be visible beneath the user's clothing. With the user's clothing in place, the holster and weapon will not be visible at all. The holster is also concealed by the user's arm resting at the user's side. In addition, the breasts of the user will raise the shirt a small distance from the skin, helping to further conceal the weapon tucked beneath the user's bra. The larger a user's breasts, the more concealed the weapon will be. However, a user with smaller breasts would only need to wear a shirt with a pattern, ruching, or fullness, to further conceal the weapon.

When the time comes for the user to draw the weapon from the holster device, the user will reach into the neck portion the shirt to gain access to the weapon and then pull the weapon upward with her shooting hand to release it from the holster portion of the holster device. In cases where time is of the essence, the user can also fire the weapon through the shirt. The design of the holster device ensures that the trigger guard is fully covered until the gun is pulled away from the body while at the same time allowing the user to have a full combat grip on the weapon. As the gun is pulled upward, the holster will flex thereby releasing the gun from the holster. Once the weapon is removed, the holster remains secured to the undergarment through its position between the chest and undergarment, the clip and the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the holster in place beside the user's torso and beneath the undergarment.

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 3 is the snap on the strap of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 5 is the user's undergarment

FIG. 2 is a view of the holster in place beside the user's torso and beneath the undergarment.

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 3 is the snap on the strap of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 5 is the user's undergarment

Ref. 6 shows the position of the holster beneath the user's undergarment

FIG. 3 is side view of the holster.

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 3 is the snap on the strap of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 7 is the screw that connects the clip to the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 8 is the back panel of the holster body

Ref. 9 is the large opening on the side of the holster body

FIG. 4 is a view of the bottom, frontal section of the holster body

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 7 is the screw that connects the clip to the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 8 is the back panel of the holster body

Ref. 9 is the large opening on the side of the holster body

Ref. 10 is the small opening on the bottom edge of the holster body

FIG. 5 is a front view of the holster.

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 3 is the snap on the strap of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 7 is the screw that connects the clip to the front panel of the holster body

FIG. 6 is a side, frontal view of the holster.

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 3 is the snap on the strap of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 7 is the screw that connects the clip to the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 8 is the back panel of the holster body

Ref. 11 is the small side opening of the holster body

FIG. 7 is a view of the back side of the holster body.

Ref. 1 is the clip of the holster body

Ref. 2 is the front panel of the holster body

Ref. 3 is the snap on the strap of the holster body

Ref. 4 is the strap of the holster body

Ref. 8 is the back panel of the holster body

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

While the above description is of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the invention may be modified, altered, or varied without deviating from the scope and fair meaning of the following claims.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, the holster device is designed for use with articles of clothing such that the holster device is concealed beneath the undergarments and clothing of the user. The holster device is composed of a plastic clamshell, a clip, and a strap with a closing mechanism. The holster device is shaped to secure an item such as a pistol, taser, knife, or pepper spray. The holster device is comprised of a back panel 8 and a front panel 2 formed of a molded rigid plastic. The front panel 2 and back panel 8 are connected at the top of the panels by a section of molded rigid plastic. These sections of molded rigid plastic comprise the plastic clamshell which allows the holster to secure the weapon. The sides and bottom of the holster device remain open to allow for the insertion and removal of the item to be secured by the holster. The clip 1 is positioned on the front panel 2 of the holster. In this embodiment, the clip 1 is attached to the holster with a screw 7 however any secure attachment method may be used. The strap 4 is attached to the front panel 2 of the holster device with a closing mechanism 3. In the present embodiment, the male side of the one-way snap is positioned on the side of the strap with precut holes for adjusting the position of the holster device. The female side of the one-way snap is attached to the opposite side of the strap, the side that does not have precut holes.

With reference to FIG. 1, this view is a frontal view of the holster in position on the user's undergarment 5 with the closing mechanism 3 in a closed position. The holster is attached to the side of the user's undergarment 5, a brassiere in this particular embodiment. The top portion of the holster device is closed while the bottom and sides are open to allow for the insertion and removal of the holster device. In use, the holster device is positioned next to the user's torso underneath the side portion of the undergarment 5. The holster device is further hidden when the user lowers her arm to rest at her side. The holster device will lie beneath the arm and undergarment. When the user raises her arm, only the upper portion of the front panel 2 would be visible.

The clip 1 is secured to the top side portion of the undergarment 5. The holster rests beneath the undergarment 5. The holster device is further secured by a strap 4 that surrounds the side portion of the undergarment. The strap 4 includes a closing mechanism. The male side of the closing mechanism secures the strap 4 to the front panel 2. The female side of the closing mechanism is attached to the opposite end of the strap 4. The female side is adjustable to alter the length of the strap 4 to accommodate the side of the user's undergarment 5. The strap closing mechanism is securely closed when the male and female portion of the closing mechanism are joined together, in order to adjust the position of the holster on the undergarment, the user may adjust the position of the snap 3 on the strap 4. The strap has pre-cut holes which may be used to vary the length of the strap and therefore adjust the position of the holster device.

FIG. 2 illustrates the position of the holster device underneath the user's undergarments 5. This view is a frontal view of the holster in position on the user's undergarment 5 with the closing mechanism 3 in a closed position. The holster is attached to the side of the user's undergarment 5, a brassiere in this particular embodiment. The clip 1 is secured to the top, side portion of the undergarment. The holster rests beneath the undergarment 5. The holster device is further secured by a strap 4 that surrounds the side portion of the undergarment 5. The holster device is further hidden when the user lowers her arm to rest at her side. The holster device will lie beneath the arm and undergarment. When the user raises her arm, only the upper portion of the front panel 2 would be visible. In order to adjust the position of the holster on the undergarment, the use may adjust the position of the snap 3 on the strap 4.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the holster. In this embodiment, one side of the holster body has a larger opening 9 to allow for the insertion of the weapon. The holster body is comprised of a front panel 2 and a hack panel 3 joined at the tops of the panels. A clip 1 is attached to the front panel 2. The clip 1 is secured to the front panel 2 with a securing mechanism 7. In this embodiment, the clip securing mechanism is a screw 7. The clip 1 secures the holster device to the upper, side portion of the undergarment 5 when the side portion slides between the folds of the clip 1. A strap 4 with closing mechanism 3 is also attached to the front panel 2 of the holster. The strap 4 secures the holster body to the side of the undergarment 5. The strap 4 includes precut holes that allow the user to adjust the length of the strap. The length may need adjustment to account for varying sidebands of varying widths on user undergarments.

FIG. 4 is a view of the bottom, frontal section of the holster body. The front panel 2 and the back panel 8 form the holster body. One side of the holster has a large opening 9 to accept the weapon or pistol into the holster body. The bottom edge of the holster body 10 is not as wide as the side opening but still remains open to accommodate a weapon. The clip 1 is secured to the front panel 2 with a screw 7. The clip 1 secures the holster device to the upper, side portion of the undergarment 5 when the side portion slides between the folds of the clip 1. The strap 4 secures the holster body to the side of the undergarment 5. The strap 4 includes precut holes that allow the user to adjust the length of the strap.

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of the holster. The front panel 2 of the holster also contains features to secure the holster body to the user's undergarments and conceal the holster from plain view. The clip 1 is attached to the front panel 2 with a securing mechanism such as a screw 7. A portion of the user's undergarments slips between the folds of the clip 1 to secure the holster body to the user's undergarments. The strap 4 is also attached to the front panel 2 with a closing mechanism 3. The male portion of the closing mechanism attaches one end of the strap 4 to the front panel 2 of the holster. The female portion of the closing mechanism attaches to the other end of the strap 4. When the male portion and female portion are joined together, the strap 4 will be in a closed position. In use, the closed strap 4 will surround the side portion of the user's undergarment 5. When the user lowers her arm, the holster will be hidden beneath the undergarment, clothing and arm of the user.

FIG. 6 is a side, frontal view of the holster device. The front panel 2 and the back panel 8 form the holster body. The front panel 2 of the holster also contains a mechanism to secure the holster body to the user's undergarments and conceal the holster from plain view. The clip 1 is attached to the front panel 2 with a securing mechanism such as a screw 7. The strap 4 is also attached to the front panel 2 with a closing mechanism. When the male portion and female portion are joined together, the strap 4 will be in a closed position. In use, the closed strap 4 will surround the side portion of the user's undergarment 5. One side of the holster has a large opening 9 to accept the weapon or pistol into the holster body. The bottom edge 10 of the holster body is not as wide as the large side opening but still remains open to accommodate a weapon. The other side of the holster also has an opening, which is smaller than the large opening 9 on the other side. The small side opening 11 helps secure the weapon once inserted through the large opening on the other side 9. The small side opening 11 helps the holster open wide enough to accept a weapon on the large opening side 9.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the holster body. The front panel 2 and the back panel 8 form the holster body. In this embodiment, there are no attachments to the back panel. In use, the back panel 8 would rest against the skin and torso of the user, behind the front panel 2. The clip 1 is attached to the front panel 2 with a securing mechanism such as a screw 7. The strap 4 is also attached to the front panel 2 with a closing mechanism such as a snap 3. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A holster device for securing an item within a user's articles of clothing, said holster device comprising: a back panel; a front panel; a connection means connecting the top portions of said back panel and said front panel; and at least one securing means.
 2. The holster device according to claim 1, wherein said back panel and said front panel are constructed of a molded rigid substance.
 3. The holster device according to claim 2, wherein said back panel and said front panel are shaped to conform to the contours of said item.
 4. The holster device according to claim 3, wherein said back panel and said front panel are constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, and leather.
 5. The holster device according to claim 4, wherein said item is selected from the group consisting of: a firearm, a canister of pepper spray, a knife and a taser.
 6. The holster device according to claim 1, wherein said securing means is selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clasp, a length of material, a snap, a buckle, and friction between the user's body and the user's article of clothing.
 7. The holster device according to claim 6, wherein a clip is attached to said front panel by a locking mechanism.
 8. The holster device according to claim 7, wherein a length of material is attached to said front panel by a closing mechanism.
 9. The holster device according to claim 8, wherein the first end of said closing mechanism is positioned on the first end of said length of material, wherein the second end of said closing mechanism is positioned on the second end of said length of material, such that said first end of said closing mechanism and said second end of said closing mechanism are connected when said length of material is in a closed position.
 10. The holster device according to claim 9, wherein said closing mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a one-way snap, Velcro, and hooks.
 11. The holster device according to claim 10, wherein said length of material is a strap.
 12. The holster device according to claim 11, wherein said article of clothing is selected from the group consisting of: a brassiere, a sports bra, and a shirt.
 13. A method comprising: a) Placing a weapon within the panels of a holster device; b) Placing said holster device with an enclosed weapon between an undergarment and the body of the user, such that the closed end of said holster device is adjacent to the upper edge of said undergarment; c) Sliding a clip attached to the top of said holster device to the top of said undergarment; d) Opening a closing mechanism of said holster device; e) Placing a length of material attached to said closing device around the side of said undergarment; f) Securing said closing mechanism;
 14. A method comprising: a) Placing a weapon within the panels of a holster device; b) Placing said holster with an enclosed weapon between an undergarment and the body of the user, such that the closed end of said holster device is adjacent to the upper edge of said undergarment; c) Sliding a clip attached to the top of said holster device to the top of said undergarment; d) Opening a closing mechanism of said holster device; e) Placing a length of material attached to said closing device around the side of said undergarment; f) Reaching through the neck portion of an outer garment concealing said holster device; g) Grasping a grip portion of said weapon; h) Pulling said weapon in an upward, sideways motion to release said weapon from the grasp of said holster device wherein said holster device remains in place beneath said undergarment. 